Lofgren has a series of announcement appearances planned including a 6 p.m. stop at the Coralville Public Library June 26.

A second-term representative, Lofgren, who will be 52 later this week, said he's running against "uncontrolled spending in Washington (that) is threatening our future and the future of our children."

"I've worked hard while serving in the Iowa House to bring fiscal responsibility to the table and I'll take that same respect for the taxpayer to Washington," said Lofgren the chairman of the House International Relations Committee and vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee

Loebsack, a former college professor, is seeking a fifth term in the 24-county district that covers southeast including Johnson County and the Quad Cities. The district runs from the Mississippi River along the Iowa-Missouri border west to Osceola and Newton.

Lofgren is a small business owner, the father of four and resides in Muscatine with his wife, Paula, and two children still at home.

As a result of his work in the Iowa House, Lofgren has won the support of many current and former representatives.

"As a former speaker pro tem of the Iowa House, I am in a position to assess whether lawmakers can truly make a difference," said Cedar County Supervisor Jeff Kaufmann, a former state representative. "Mark combines the qualities of conservative leadership, methodical study, and sincere caring. His work ethic is without rival."